Starting 25 February 2026, the United Kingdom will discontinue issuing physical visa stickers (vignettes) in passports for Nigerian travelers and replace them with digital electronic visas (eVisas) — part of a broader effort to modernize and digitize its immigration system.
What’s Changing
Under the new system:
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Nigerian applicants for UK visit visas and other short-stay categories will no longer receive a physical visa sticker placed in their passport upon approval.
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Instead, successful applicants will be issued a digital eVisa, which becomes a secure online record of their immigration status held through a UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account.
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This change applies to new visa decisions issued on or after 25 Feb 2026; visas granted before that date will remain valid until they expire.
How the eVisa System Works
Even though the visa format is changing, the visa application process itself remains largely the same:
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You will still apply online, submit documents, and attend a Visa Application Centre to enroll your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
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Once your application is approved, you receive an email with instructions to create or access your UKVI account, where your eVisa will be stored.
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At the border, immigration officials verify your eVisa electronically, eliminating the need to present a physical sticker.
What This Means for Travelers
Benefits of the switch to eVisas include:
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Faster passport return: Since a physical sticker is no longer needed, you usually get your passport back sooner after your application is processed.
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More secure documentation: eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with like physical stickers.
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Online access: Travelers can view and manage their eVisa status online through their UKVI account, which may also simplify future applications.
Important Things to Know
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Existing visas: If you already have a valid visa sticker issued before February 25, you don’t need to reapply just because of this change — your current visa remains valid until its expiry.
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Digital first: The shift reflects the UK’s broader move to a fully digital border system, which also includes expanded use of Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) for visa-exempt visitors.
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Application requirements: The core eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for UK visas have not changed — this reform only affects how visas are delivered and accessed.
This update marks a major step in how the UK government handles visa issuance and border control — making travel documentation more efficient, secure, and suited to digital workflows in 2026 and beyond.